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In the Dreaming Deep
Hugo Strand dreams of seeing the world, becoming a travel writer, and making something of himself. But with little money, a fragile mother to care for, and the memories of his drowned father to haunt him, he fears he'll be stuck on Shale Island forever - a place where storms and churning seas fuel whispers of the sea gods, said to awaken every thousand years.
When a sea monster attacks and destroys the sea-train, cutting Shale off from the mainland, what was once myth becomes reality. Teaming up with archaeologist Alma Merneith, Hugo sets out to investigate a strange affliction driving the islanders to madness and death.
But their search uncovers a force beyond imagining, and proof that the sea gods are more monstrous than the residents of Shale could have dreamed. Hugo must battle his lifelong fear of the sea, and Alma must put her archaeological knowledge to the test, to overcome a monstrous legend wearing a crown made of bones...
When a sea monster attacks and destroys the sea-train, cutting Shale off from the mainland, what was once myth becomes reality. Teaming up with archaeologist Alma Merneith, Hugo sets out to investigate a strange affliction driving the islanders to madness and death.
But their search uncovers a force beyond imagining, and proof that the sea gods are more monstrous than the residents of Shale could have dreamed. Hugo must battle his lifelong fear of the sea, and Alma must put her archaeological knowledge to the test, to overcome a monstrous legend wearing a crown made of bones...
382 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2023
47 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rowlands
9 books52 followersRachel Rowlands lives in Manchester, England, with her husband and two cats. She grew up devouring any book she could get her hands on, and after earning her degree in English and Creative Writing, she built a career as a freelance editor while working on her own stories in her spare time. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys playing video games and crying over romance Kdramas. Follow Rachel on Instagram or join her newsletter for for book news, reading recommendations, and plenty of cat pictures!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 12, 2023
Hugo has always wanted more for his life, but with his mother being emotionally and physically fragile, he doesn’t feel comfortable travelling. Then when he tries to take her on the sea-train for a day off the island, the train is attacked by a giant monster, causing Shale Island to become completely isolated. Hugp meets Alma, an archaeologist who is now stranded on the island, and the two of them decide to search for answers relating to a sudden mysterious illness that is afflicting the area. In this race against time, will the two of them find a way to save the island from the mysteries of the deep?
This work of science fiction is set in the early 1900s and was inspired by Lovecraft’s mythos and world. I disliked how the author chose to do this though. A few things were directly taken from Lovecraft, such as the Miskatonic University, but then in other places the author chose to make things up, such as a place called Arkion rather than Arkham. I found this odd mix to be distracting. The author did a decent job at including relevant descriptions, but unfortunately, this work was lacking in atmosphere. It’s advertised as dark and gothic, but not written in a way that emanated these feelings. This was also partly due to the author’s reliance on telling rather than showing, and this also came through in the dialogue where characters would massively overexplain things while talking.
The worldbuilding was also lacking. There was a little included thankfully, but not enough to make this an engaging read. It seemed that there was supposed to be some steampunk elements but they weren’t explained or incorporated well, such as everyone just having goggles for some reason. Another example is the author casually dropping the term “mech-animals” in a few times with zero explanation or description. I know this is a work of fantasy and fiction, but it’s clearly stated that the setting is the very early 1900s, and there were many anachronisms throughout the book (and I’m not talking about the fantasy elements or sea trains or mech-animals).
This read was a miss for me unfortunately. The concept was interesting, but the execution was lacking. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This work of science fiction is set in the early 1900s and was inspired by Lovecraft’s mythos and world. I disliked how the author chose to do this though. A few things were directly taken from Lovecraft, such as the Miskatonic University, but then in other places the author chose to make things up, such as a place called Arkion rather than Arkham. I found this odd mix to be distracting. The author did a decent job at including relevant descriptions, but unfortunately, this work was lacking in atmosphere. It’s advertised as dark and gothic, but not written in a way that emanated these feelings. This was also partly due to the author’s reliance on telling rather than showing, and this also came through in the dialogue where characters would massively overexplain things while talking.
The worldbuilding was also lacking. There was a little included thankfully, but not enough to make this an engaging read. It seemed that there was supposed to be some steampunk elements but they weren’t explained or incorporated well, such as everyone just having goggles for some reason. Another example is the author casually dropping the term “mech-animals” in a few times with zero explanation or description. I know this is a work of fantasy and fiction, but it’s clearly stated that the setting is the very early 1900s, and there were many anachronisms throughout the book (and I’m not talking about the fantasy elements or sea trains or mech-animals).
This read was a miss for me unfortunately. The concept was interesting, but the execution was lacking. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 9, 2023
Set in an alternate steampunkish world, Hugo is a young man responsible for caring for his ailing mother. He longs to travel and write about his adventures, but after having lost his father at a young age, his mother's fragility necessitated that he assume the role of provider. Having saved for it, Hugo takes his mother to visit her sister on the mainland. Except Augustine's Comet has reappeared on its 1000 year cycle, and, according to legend, the deep gods are set to awaken.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. I thought the world-building was excellent. I loved the way the mythology of the island was woven in to the culture. I loved the steampunk-ish vibe. I really liked the characters, although I did feel that this was an area where there could be more development.
I still have some questions about the political structure and would definitely be interested in reading more about this community.
My biggest quibble is with the typeface in the edition I read. It was a font that was all capital letters and I HATE that. It negatively impacts my enjoyment by a lot as I can't sink into the story owing to the extra effort reading this style of font takes. However, this did not impact my rating as does not reflect on the story or the writing itself.
I received an ARC via BookSirens
I really enjoyed reading this novel. I thought the world-building was excellent. I loved the way the mythology of the island was woven in to the culture. I loved the steampunk-ish vibe. I really liked the characters, although I did feel that this was an area where there could be more development.
I still have some questions about the political structure and would definitely be interested in reading more about this community.
My biggest quibble is with the typeface in the edition I read. It was a font that was all capital letters and I HATE that. It negatively impacts my enjoyment by a lot as I can't sink into the story owing to the extra effort reading this style of font takes. However, this did not impact my rating as does not reflect on the story or the writing itself.
I received an ARC via BookSirens
March 2, 2023
This was more spare and simple than I expected, but haunting all the same. Hugo and Alma made for a good duo, both wading through personal barriers as they navigate their unexpected togetherness, while also trying to solve a mystery that is both ancient and new. What are the gods of the deep? Do they even exist? And what exactly is happening to the inhabitants of the island? Why is no one in charge actually trying to do something about it?
I felt threads of turn of the century England, a dash of steampunk, and good old Lovecraft creatures in the bones of this story. It wrapped me up in the everyday of life in a small community, of the relationships that run deep among those who all share a similar life. It showed a man, Hugo, trying to figure out if what he has currently is enough, or if he can truly break free and go out on his own.
I wish some of the characters had a little more heft, as even Hugo and Alma at times felt only half finished I their backgrounds and motivations. And the government felt very much like a caricature of inept leadership. But overall, this was an eerie tale of monsters in the deep, and those trying to fight them.
*I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All opinions are my own.
I felt threads of turn of the century England, a dash of steampunk, and good old Lovecraft creatures in the bones of this story. It wrapped me up in the everyday of life in a small community, of the relationships that run deep among those who all share a similar life. It showed a man, Hugo, trying to figure out if what he has currently is enough, or if he can truly break free and go out on his own.
I wish some of the characters had a little more heft, as even Hugo and Alma at times felt only half finished I their backgrounds and motivations. And the government felt very much like a caricature of inept leadership. But overall, this was an eerie tale of monsters in the deep, and those trying to fight them.
*I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All opinions are my own.
March 8, 2023
I wanted to like this book more but alas I could not get into it. I almost didn't finish the story.
What I liked: The story was original. The way the disease spread was interesting. The lore surrounding the Gods had some potential. The main characters had a great connection that grew throughout the story.
What I disliked: I felt that the story lacked background development. The Gods were too easy to defeat. There was far too much dialogue. I was missing world-building and atmospheric descriptions. Too many side characters just appeared without any reason for their presence.
With more development, this could be a great novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
What I liked: The story was original. The way the disease spread was interesting. The lore surrounding the Gods had some potential. The main characters had a great connection that grew throughout the story.
What I disliked: I felt that the story lacked background development. The Gods were too easy to defeat. There was far too much dialogue. I was missing world-building and atmospheric descriptions. Too many side characters just appeared without any reason for their presence.
With more development, this could be a great novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 1, 2023
Urgh I hate writing negative reviews but I can’t lie and pretend I enjoyed this. I really struggled to finish this book and had it not been an ARC I probably wouldn’t have bothered pushing myself to finish it. The basic storyline was good and so much could have been done with it. I feel this book would have been better in first person - multiple POV’s instead of third person. It just made it feel all over the place.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2023
I was fortunate to recieve an advanced review copy of this book, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a wonderful read. The plot is very Lovecraftian in its style, full of mystery and wonder. It is also an easy read too, with a very accessible writing style.
My only criticism is that I felt like the relationships between the characters could have been developed further. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. A good read for those who love a bit of fantasy.
This is a wonderful read. The plot is very Lovecraftian in its style, full of mystery and wonder. It is also an easy read too, with a very accessible writing style.
My only criticism is that I felt like the relationships between the characters could have been developed further. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. A good read for those who love a bit of fantasy.
February 25, 2023
Hauntingly beautiful!
March 15, 2023
Entertaining, atmospheric and intriguing , but it was like I read only half of the book. It ended in the middle of the story with lots of unanswered questions and the feeling that there was still more to come. It felt unfinished.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2023
I received an advance review copy of this book and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Lovecraftian horror is the genre I spend nearly all my reading time in. So I will recognize that I have a bias going into any story that is inspired by Lovecraft or re-tells a Lovecraftian story. Lovecraft's writing, while eccentric, follows a predictable pattern that forms the foundation of why his horror is still palpable to this day. Unlike other author's works, it is very difficult to weave in Lovecraftian elements into a story without it either overtaking the story or the elements being so superficial you question why they are there in the first place.
In the Dreaming Deep from the viewpoint of a fantasy adventure story was enjoyable. You have characters who are dealing with their own issues and past traumas while coming together to investigate and take on a sea monster from mythology. With no help from the government they are on their own while racing against the clock, as a mysterious affliction begins to consume the island.
My main issues I have with the book are that for every step forward it seems to take a step back. The book throws you into this new and interesting steampunk world that seemingly has all new places, language, culture and mythology. But it never fully dives in. Every time a new element of the world is presented it only briefly mentions them then pulls you away. I found myself always wanting to spend more time on Shale Island and learning about the environment we have been brought into. The elements the story does go into plays out more like a television show. Everything is explained via dialogue with few scenes just simply playing out and letting the reader take in what is happening and drawing their own conclusions. This is a Lovecraftian element that would have complimented and augmented the horror elements of the story. Us as the readers uncovering new info about what Hugo and Alma are dealing with at the same time they are, and with each new terrifying detail the horror and dread gets layered on.
It pains me to say, but I think the novel would be stronger without stating it is inspired by Lovecraft. A central theme of Lovecraft is that cosmic/eldritch horrors are beyond human comprehension, and those who try to understand are forever scarred physically and emotionally. The characters in the novel are not only able to keep their sanity as they come face to face with the horrors, but are able to overcome the psychological stress with things such as meditation. Alma seemingly has a great wealth of information about what is happening and is able to recognize they are dealing with a cosmic entity, translate an ancient language, and learns how to defeat it. Both of these things go against what is established as “Lovecraftian,” and will have fans of Lovecraftian horror fans questioning why. The Lovecraft imagery created by Rachel with the re-imagined Deep Ones, the affliction, the mother are amazing. Slowly being consumed by a disease, to be enslaved by an Old One for all time against your will. But the Lovecraft fan base will point to the literary contradiction as an overall deal breaker for the story.
Overall I really wanted to love this book. It has great characters, an interesting new world and great imagery of Lovecraftian creatures. Ultimately In the Dreaming Deep has the foundation and framework of a great story, but struggles to fully come together in the end in my opinion. Rachel did a great job world building in the novel, and the monsters she crafted are terrifying on their own. But once you name drop Lovecraft, the expectations that come with it start to put too much weight on her story and it starts to pull apart at the seems. That being said I did enjoy reading the book and am grateful for the opportunity to get an early copy. Hopefully we get to a sequel in the future to further the world/story!
Lovecraftian horror is the genre I spend nearly all my reading time in. So I will recognize that I have a bias going into any story that is inspired by Lovecraft or re-tells a Lovecraftian story. Lovecraft's writing, while eccentric, follows a predictable pattern that forms the foundation of why his horror is still palpable to this day. Unlike other author's works, it is very difficult to weave in Lovecraftian elements into a story without it either overtaking the story or the elements being so superficial you question why they are there in the first place.
In the Dreaming Deep from the viewpoint of a fantasy adventure story was enjoyable. You have characters who are dealing with their own issues and past traumas while coming together to investigate and take on a sea monster from mythology. With no help from the government they are on their own while racing against the clock, as a mysterious affliction begins to consume the island.
My main issues I have with the book are that for every step forward it seems to take a step back. The book throws you into this new and interesting steampunk world that seemingly has all new places, language, culture and mythology. But it never fully dives in. Every time a new element of the world is presented it only briefly mentions them then pulls you away. I found myself always wanting to spend more time on Shale Island and learning about the environment we have been brought into. The elements the story does go into plays out more like a television show. Everything is explained via dialogue with few scenes just simply playing out and letting the reader take in what is happening and drawing their own conclusions. This is a Lovecraftian element that would have complimented and augmented the horror elements of the story. Us as the readers uncovering new info about what Hugo and Alma are dealing with at the same time they are, and with each new terrifying detail the horror and dread gets layered on.
It pains me to say, but I think the novel would be stronger without stating it is inspired by Lovecraft. A central theme of Lovecraft is that cosmic/eldritch horrors are beyond human comprehension, and those who try to understand are forever scarred physically and emotionally. The characters in the novel are not only able to keep their sanity as they come face to face with the horrors, but are able to overcome the psychological stress with things such as meditation. Alma seemingly has a great wealth of information about what is happening and is able to recognize they are dealing with a cosmic entity, translate an ancient language, and learns how to defeat it. Both of these things go against what is established as “Lovecraftian,” and will have fans of Lovecraftian horror fans questioning why. The Lovecraft imagery created by Rachel with the re-imagined Deep Ones, the affliction, the mother are amazing. Slowly being consumed by a disease, to be enslaved by an Old One for all time against your will. But the Lovecraft fan base will point to the literary contradiction as an overall deal breaker for the story.
Overall I really wanted to love this book. It has great characters, an interesting new world and great imagery of Lovecraftian creatures. Ultimately In the Dreaming Deep has the foundation and framework of a great story, but struggles to fully come together in the end in my opinion. Rachel did a great job world building in the novel, and the monsters she crafted are terrifying on their own. But once you name drop Lovecraft, the expectations that come with it start to put too much weight on her story and it starts to pull apart at the seems. That being said I did enjoy reading the book and am grateful for the opportunity to get an early copy. Hopefully we get to a sequel in the future to further the world/story!
April 15, 2024
Set in a steampunk-ish coastal village, In the Dreaming Deep offers readers a perplexing adventure of a mind-melding, tentacle-growing, cosmic transformation that threatens to annihilate the sleepy Shale Island community. With endearing characters fraught with family issues and lethargic government officials (painfully familiar), the delightful frustrations mount throughout.
Although I enjoyed the unique story and was not put off by the bizarre sea monster descriptions that I couldn't quite wrap my head around, I was hoping for more depth of character and plot. I would have liked to have encountered a confrontation with the High Sea Lord or at least the mayor … maybe even a community uprising. The romance between Hugo and Alma was less than titillating but sweet.
I was in the mood for something different when I picked up this book. Something different is precisely what I received.
Although I enjoyed the unique story and was not put off by the bizarre sea monster descriptions that I couldn't quite wrap my head around, I was hoping for more depth of character and plot. I would have liked to have encountered a confrontation with the High Sea Lord or at least the mayor … maybe even a community uprising. The romance between Hugo and Alma was less than titillating but sweet.
I was in the mood for something different when I picked up this book. Something different is precisely what I received.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews